Course Descriptions

BIO 120: Human Anatomy and Physiology for Nursing I

Course Description

This course is designed for pre-professional students as an introduction to a basic understanding of the structural organization of the human body starting with the tissues, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, digestive and nervous systems. The course focuses on the cellular organization and on the tissue and organ levels of each system. In laboratory exercises, students study and learn structures from various available anatomical models.

Prerequisites

Credits

4

BIO 122: Human Anatomy and Physiology for Nursing II

Course Description

This is the second of the series offered to pre-professional students. The course focuses on the organization of the cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, endocrine, urinary and reproductive systems. Class discussions deal with the basic cellular, tissue level and organ level organization of each system. Functional significance as well as clinical correlations of some structures are covered. Special focus is on fertilization and reproduction, pregnancy and lactation, coronary and cerebrovascular circulation. Laboratory exercises include studying structures from available anatomical models.

Prerequisites

BIO 120

Credits

4

BIO 229: Applied Microbiology

Course Description

This course covers the structure, reproduction, physiology, biochemistry, genetics and identification of microorganisms. It includes a study of their relationship to each other and to other living organisms, their distribution in nature, and their beneficial and disease causing effects on humans

Prerequisites

Credits

4

BIO 248: Nutrition for Nursing Majors

Course Description

This course offers a specialized review of the principles of sound nutrition and the effects of diet on personal well-being. Environmental, social, physical, and psychological reasons underlying poor diet are examined. Not for science majors.

Prerequisites

Credits

3

BIO 314: Genetics and Genomics

Course Description

A study of human genetics in order to elucidate the basic laws of heredity and their physical basis (classical genetics); structure and function of the gene (molecular genetics); and population genetics, with attention to human abnormalities as illustrations of these principles.

Prerequisites

BIO 120

Credits

3

BIO 355: Pathophysiology

Course Description

Emphasis is placed on the relationship of usual health patterns of major body systems to changes that occur during the illness experience. Major pathophysiologic concepts are explored using a body systems approach. Theories relating etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations are used to study common disease processes. Concepts from anatomy and physiology provide the foundation for exploring human dysfunction.

Prerequisites

BIO 120

Credits

3

COC 101: Fundamentals of Speech

Course Description

Techniques of public speaking. Includes the delivery of several speeches during the course of the program.

Prerequisites

Credits

3

HS 201: Community Service

Course Description

This one credit course is a requirement of the School of Health Sciences. The student explores the concepts and principles of community service and Nursing as they apply to individuals, families, and the community as a whole. Students examine and recommend services and teaching available to their client(s) through independent study. This course builds on Orem's Self Care Theory as students document a reflection paper that includes a comprehensive health assessment. This course must be completed by senior year.

Prerequisites

Credits

1

LLE 101-102: English Composition I & II

Course Description

Extensive practice in the composition of clear, concise, and grammatically-correct sentences and paragraphs with special emphasis on the five-paragraph essay and the research paper. (Admission by assignment following placement test.)

Prerequisites

Credits

3

MAT 111: College Mathematics

Course Description

An introductory course in mathematical skills and techniques which are necessary for further undergraduate college study. Fundamental principles of algebraic calculations such as operations with signed numbers, exponents, negative exponents and operations with fractions; verbal problems and solution of equations; graphical methods; linear equations and systems of linear equations.

MCO 140: Computer Concepts with Microcomputer Applications

Course Description

This course introduces students to basic computer topics and terminology. Computer hardware and software are discussed along with personal computer (PC) applications. Office applications are taught as well. Students will complete this course with a solid understanding of computers, how to use computers, and how to access information on the World Wide Web. This course is not a required course or approved elective for a Computer Science or MIS degree.

Prerequisites

Credits

3

NUR 100: Mathematics for Nurses

Course Description

This one-credit course is designed to reinforce basic math concepts as well as introduce the student to drug and dosage calculations.

Prerequisites

Credits

1

NUR 110: Fundamentals of Nursing

Course Description

Introduces students to basic nursing principles, including concepts that form the theoretical basis for their roles as Registered Professional Nurses. Students develop nursing skills to meet the bio-psychosocial needs of a selected population, e.g. the elderly. The steps of the nursing process are introduced as the framework for nursing care and practice. The didactic (classroom) portion of this course includes the theoretical principles of: therapeutic communication, vital signs, infection control practices, body mechanics and safety, hygiene, comfort measures, skin integrity and wound care, nutrition, elimination, oxygenation, fluid and electrolytes, pain assessment, medication administration, care of the dying, introduction to the health care system and health care team, and legal and ethical issues that affect professional nursing practice. Students learn to initiate nursing actions in response to identification of self care deficits, utilizing Orem's Self Care Deficit model. In the Nursing Skills Laboratory component of this course, students practice basic psychomotor skills related to theoretical topics introduced in the classroom. They then move on to the clinical component, applying these skills utilizing the nursing process within the framework of Orem's Theory, with patients in the traditional setting of medical-surgical hospital units.

NUR 200: Medical-Surgical Nursing I (formerly NUR 120)

Course Description

Establishes the basis for application of critical thinking skills in utilizing the nursing process and Orem's self care theory in organizing nursing care. The course focuses on nursing management of adult patients with acute health problems. Emphasis is on the acute stages of disease as well as health promotion and prevention, nutrition, diagnostics and treatments. Nursing care issues are addressed in physiological, pathophysiological and psychosocial contexts.

Prerequisites

NUR 110

Credits

8

NUR 300: Medical-Surgical Nursing II (formerly NUR 240)

Course Description

Designed to advance the theoretical and clinical knowledge of the student for managing care of the adult medical-surgical patient. Emphasis is placed on identifying specific universal, developmental and health deviation self-care requisites and deficits, as well as gerontological changes that interfere with the adult patient's ability to manage increasingly complex self-care needs. Both the nursing and medical management associated with meeting the needs of patients with various medical-surgical conditions are discussed. The nursing process continues to be incorporated utilizing Orem's Self- Care Deficit Theory as a framework for the organization and provision of care for the adult medical- surgical patient. The course also introduces the nurse's role as manager of care. Clinical experiences include opportunities for students to care for adult medical-surgical patients in the acute care setting. Integration of the nursing process, as well as the psychosocial, physiological and socio-cultural needs of the adult medical-surgical patient population are investigated during each clinical experience.

Prerequisites

NUR 200

Credits

5

NUR 301: Medical-Surgical Nursing III (formerly NUR 241)

Course Description

This course is designed to advance and refine the theoretical and clinical knowledge of the student when managing care of the adult medical-surgical patient. Emphasis is placed on evaluating specific universal, developmental and health deviation self-care requisites and deficits, as well as gerontological changes that interfere with the adult patient's ability to manage increasingly complex self-care needs. Both the nursing and medical management associated with meeting the needs of patients with complex medical-surgical conditions are discussed. The nursing process continues to be incorporated utilizing Orem's Self- Care Deficit Theory as a framework for the organization and provision of care for the adult medical-surgical patient. This course focuses on the student's assimilation of knowledge related to nursing, liberal arts, health and social sciences in the care of a complex adult medical-surgical patient. Students are expected to be pro-active participants in both the theoretical and clinical components of this course. Clinical experiences include opportunities for students to care for adult patients with complex medical-surgical needs. The focus of the clinical experience will be to facilitate the transition of the student to the role of the professional registered nurse. Integration of the nursing process, as well as the psychosocial, physiological and socio-cultural needs of the adult medical-surgical patient population will be assessed during each clinical experience.

Prerequisites

NUR 300

Credits

5

NUR 310: Maternal Child Nursing (formerly NUR 210)

Course Description

Builds upon the foundation acquired in NUR 110, NUR 130 and NUR 200. Uses the Nursing Process, Orem's model of self-care and a developmental approach to build upon principles of humanity, health and environment as they affect nursing care of women, infants and children. Emphasis is placed on health teaching and providing care to obstetrical, newborn and pediatric patients with complex problems, from the prenatal period through adolescence. Clinical experiences are provided in a structured multicultural medical center with a parent-child focus. Other learning experiences will occur in the classroom with assigned activities in the computer and skills lab.

Prerequisites

NUR 200

Credits

5

NUR 320: Trends in Nursing (formerly NUR 260)

Course Description

Current issues and trends that impact the practice of Nursing in the 21st century are addressed, as is the influence of the holistic model of health care. Nursing practice related to complementary healing techniques, and evidence-based practice in the art and science of healing, act as catalysts for class discussion and debate. Economic and political influences, the health care environment, and various aspects of nursing practice are discussed.

Prerequisites

NUR 300

Credits

2

NUR 330: Mental Health Nursing (formerly NUR 230)

Course Description

Builds upon and expands basic psychosocial knowledge and skills acquired in PSY 101, NUR 110 and NUR 200. Progression to more complex mental health patterns as they relate to nursing practice provides students with the opportunity to expand their understanding of human-environmental interactions and evolving mental health patterns within diverse cultures. Behavioral patterns as they appear in normative growth and developmental perspectives as well as alterations in these patterns with the resulting nursing implications are addressed. An intertwining of the nursing process and Orem's Self Care Deficit Theory forms the framework for the assessment of self care deficits and interventions necessary to meet the self care needs of psychiatric patients, their families and significant others.

Prerequisites

NUR 200

Credits

5

NUR 410: Populations at Risk

Course Description

This course is designed to study populations at risk, such as the aged and those diagnosed with cancer or HIV, with emphasis on variables that may be modified to increase quality of care and life. An epidemiological model is used to study health status as it is affected by environment, lifestyle, heredity, and community. Students observe and participate in managing the care of a patient being followed by agencies that are selected for their interdisciplinary approach.

Prerequisites

Credits

2

NUR 411: Health Assessment and Promotion

Course Description

Focuses on the development of comprehensive health assessment skills, including measures of physical and functional status, documentation of the assessment findings, and health promotion strategies for each body system. Considerations of racial and cultural differences are discussed with respect to health assessment as well as health promotion strategies.

Prerequisites

Credits

4

NUR 420: Professional Nursing Practice

Course Description

Explores the history and development of professional nursing, including past and current issues and trends relevant to the profession. The role of the Registered Nurse, as well as values and ethical and legal issues are also included. Students become acquainted with health care systems within which professional nurses practice.

Prerequisites

NUR 320

Credits

3

NUR 430: Client Education Across the Lifespan

Course Description

Builds upon the roles played by core concepts of teaching-learning principles, therapeutic communication and the nurse-client relationship in meeting the learning needs of clients and their families/significant others throughout the life-span. A client-centered and nursing process-driven approach is employed, with emphasis on assessing learner readiness and preference, cultural and spiritual practices, developmental level and cognitive and language considerations. Bloom's taxonomy of learning domains provides a framework for the development of effective nursing interventions. Theories of client education including the health belief model, locus of control, cognitive dissonance and diffusion theories will be explored in terms of their impact on the learning process.

Prerequisites

Credits

3

NUR 440: Community Health

Course Description

Focuses on community assessment, environmental factors affecting health and illness, concepts and principles of epidemiology, and problems of the urban environment. In collaboration with home care agencies, community outreach agencies and selected ambulatory clinics, and under faculty supervision, students provide nursing care in patients' home settings.

Prerequisites

Credits

3

NUR 450: Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Course Description

The conceptual and research development of nursing knowledge that forms the basis for evidence-based practice. Current areas of nursing inquiry are presented. The validity of quantitative methods and the conformability of qualitative methods used to formulate answers to nursing research questions are discussed. Students evaluate current nursing research and assess applicability to clinical practice.

Prerequisites

Credits

3

NUR 485: Advanced Leadership

Course Description

Emphasizes leadership and management theories. Students utilize organizational behavior, educational administration and business theories to analyze content related to leadership and management. Integrated into the course are legal and ethical issues. This course requires a senior capstone project, assigned in the final semester prior to graduation, where the nursing process is used to promote, restore, and maintain the health states of individuals, families, and groups. Students develop their leadership ability under the direct guidance of a selected agency preceptor. Students cultivate the development of their professional role and use leadership skills to become active members of the health care team. This course must be taken as part of the student's final semester of nursing courses.

Prerequisites

NUR 410, 411, 420, 430, 440, 450

Credits

3

PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology

Course Description

Psychology as a biological, behavioral, and social science. Topics include: critical and scientific analysis of human behavior, fundamentals of psychological research, biological bases of behavior, states of consciousness, learning, thought, memory and intelligence, social behavior and personality, mental health and adjustment, diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior.